Yep. He gets 20 million if he stays. If he's traded, he'll still get the 20 million. Even if he opts out, he may not be getting 20 million, but he'll be getting a high salary still. It doesn't matter what path happens, he's going to get the money.

That must be the most ridiculous proposal I've head. Nellie has lost his mind. Crawford has nothing to worry about. If he doesn't want to opt out, he's gonna be traded, so what's the point?

I don't see why you are hating on nellie for this one. he's just saying we don't have room for you on this team. perfectly justified. I appreciate that kind of transparency as a fan.

Yeah, he's saying that he doesn't want Crawford on the team, but that's a problem, because:

* Other players (and their agents) won't like it. Not after we traded for him and all of a sudden Nellie wants him not only to go but to opt out of his contract. I certainly would have a hard time telling a player to sign with a franchise that treats their players like that.

* It makes even less sense, financially speaking, to opt out. I mean, if the problem is staying here, now Crawford knows he's gonna get traded, so why opt out and lose money?.